Don't blame guns, other reasons for shootings

Editor, the Record:

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poconorecord.com

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Posted Dec. 29, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Posted Dec. 29, 2012 at 12:01 AM

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Editor, the Record:

As the hue and cry are raised for gun control, perhaps we are missing the mark. For several years now, the media has become increasingly more graphic in its depiction of violence. Video games, such as the "Grand Theft Auto" series, "Mortal Kombat, "Bully," "Doom," "Carmageddon," "Call of Duty" and "Assassin's Creed," among many others, desensitize kids to the effects of violence.

The brainwashing caused by a constant barrage of violence and the accrual of points for wreaking violence in these games very well may be a crucial ingredient in why these mass murders take place. Add that to epidemic of suicides among young people, and even some adults — maybe we should look at what is causing the hopelessness that drives them to strike out at others and then themselves.

Controlling guns is an easy slogan, but not the answer to a deeper problem that appears to be plaguing our society. Maybe it's time we reinstitute morality, manners and a respect for life back into our daily lives, and start seriously holding people who violate the law, regardless of their status life, accountable and responsible for their actions, instead of giving them a slap on the wrist.